Includes bibliographical references (pages 219-232) and indexes

The universal frame of reference : a key to understanding Abraham -- The Abrahamic narratives : literary and historical perspectives -- Abraham : recipient of promises -- Abraham and outsiders I : the endangering of Sarah -- Abraham and outsiders II : gift, threat, and challenge -- Hagar and Ishmael as outsiders : a special case -- Isaac birth, endangerment, and sign of the future : the turning of the generations -- Abraham in memory and tradition

Terence E. Fretheim turns his attention to the story of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Isaac, and Ishmael. Through close readings of Genesis 12 through 25, Fretheim guides readers through the intricacies of the plot, from God's surprising call to Abraham to leave home and family to God's enigmatic commands to evict one son and sacrifice another. Extending the vein of analysis in which he previously has written to wide acclaim, Fretheim examines Abraham's family and assesses the significant roles it plays across three religions--Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Relating biblical narrative to theological concerns, Fretheim wrestles with such concepts as God's selection of an elect people, the gift of land and other promises, the role of women and outsiders, the character of God, and the suffering of innocents. In addition Fretheim contributes to the increasingly important interreligious dialogue surrounding Abraham by examining the continuing conversation among Muslims, Christians, and Jews about the place of Hagar and Ishmael in Abraham's family. Throughout the text, Fretheim frames the narrative as rooted in the trials of family and faith that define the story of Abraham as the father of three religions. --From publisher's description